Pouch Style Food Service Bag

ABSTRACT

The disclosure provides a food-service, food-packaging product package made from one material, having certain desired properties on an outside thereof, and a different material, having different desired properties, on an inside thereof.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/525,864, filed Aug. 22, 2011, which is incorporated by reference herein and made a part hereof.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure pertains to containers such as bags, and, more particularly, to bags for use in the food-service, food-packaging industry and methods, apparatuses, devices, and/or systems associated therewith. Specifically, some example bags according to at least some aspects of the present disclosure may comprise dual-layer, pouch-style, food-service bags constructed from a non-stick inner layer and/or an outer layer having different characteristics.

Specifically, sometimes it is desired in the food-service, food-packaging industry to have a package, such as a bag, for a food product that may be used for preparation as well as storage. The reasons for desiring a food package having utility in both storage and preparation are many but could include cleanliness and/or convenience. In the instances where a combination food storage, food preparation package is desired, it is likely that desired package properties for the inside of the package, such as non-stick and/or grease repellant properties will be different from the desired properties for the outside of the package, such as strength, stiffness, ease of applying printed indicia, etc. Accordingly, in the food-service, food-packaging industry, it may be desired to have a food product package for use in both storage and preparation that has a material having some desired properties on an inside portion thereof and a different material, having different desired properties on an outside portion thereof.

SUMMARY

In accordance with the foregoing, the present disclosure provides a food-service, food-packaging product package that utilizes one material, having certain desired properties on an outside thereof, and utilizes a different material, having different desired properties, on an inside thereof. One example of materials that may be desired for use on the inside of a food-service, food-packaging product include non-stick materials, such as silicone parchment release liner. Such non-stick materials may be desirable for some food packaging applications so that food products may be readily removed from the packaging. Constructing packaging from such non-stick materials may present challenges, however, because gluing some non-stick materials may be difficult due to the non-stick characteristics. Other materials, such as kraft paper, may provide some desirable characteristics (e.g., strength, stiffness, low cost, ease of applying printing, etc.), but may not provide desired non-stick and/or grease resistant characteristics.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of an example pouch style bag containing a food item therein, according to at least some aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the pouch style bag of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of outer and inner sheets operable for use in constructing the pouch style bag of FIG. 1 in accordance with at least some aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a front sectional perspective view of the partially folded outer and inner sheets shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the partially folded outer and inner sheets shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the fully folded outer and inner sheets as shown in FIG. 5 having adhesive portions applied thereto in accordance with at least some aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of the example pouch style bag of FIG. 1 in a folded down configuration.

FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of the example pouch style bag of FIG. 1 in an upright orientation.

FIG. 9 is an alternate side perspective view of the example pouch style bag in flat orientation of FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of production equipment operable to adhesively coat the fully folded outer and inner sheets as shown in FIG. 6 having a paste bar oriented generally parallel to a feed axis according to at least some aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of prior art bag production equipment having a paste bar oriented generally perpendicular to a feed axis for the bag.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure contemplates that it may be desirable to construct bags, such as food service bags, using some materials which may be difficult to use in connection with adhesives. For example, some non-stick materials, such as silicone parchment release liner, may be desirable for some food packaging applications so that food products may be readily removed from the packaging. Constructing packaging from some non-stick materials may present challenges, however, because gluing some non-stick materials may be difficult due to the non-stick characteristics. Other materials, such as kraft paper, may provide some desirable characteristics (e.g., ability to accept adhesives and stick to itself, strength, stiffness, low cost, ease of applying printing, etc.), but may not provide non-stick and/or grease resistant characteristics.

Some example food service bags according to at least some aspects of the present disclosure may comprise dual-layer bags configured to house food products during various food service operations. For example, some example bags may be configured to hold a food product during freezing, thawing, heating, and/or cooking operations. Some example embodiments may be configured for the food product to be removed from the bag prior to serving, and some example embodiments may be configured for serving the food product in the bag. Some example embodiments may comprise dual-layer bags configured to be grease resistant.

As shown best in FIGS. 1, 2, 7, 8 and 9, a food service bag in accordance with at least some aspects of the present invention may comprise a double layered bag 100. Bag 100 may be configured to hold one or more objects 10, including food objects, such as a sandwich, pizza, french fries, etc.

In some example embodiments, bag 100 may be constructed generally in the form of a pouch and may include a generally rectangular front panel 101 and a generally rectangular back panel 103. Front panel 101 and back panel 103 may be joined together at a substantially closed end 104 (e.g., at a fold) and by opposed, bonded sides 106, 108. Bag 100 may include a substantially open end 102 generally opposite substantially closed end 104, and opposed, bonded sides 106, 108 may run from generally adjacent the substantially open end 102 to generally adjacent the substantially closed end 104. Sides 106, 108 may be pleated (e.g., they may include folds arranged to permit expansion of bag 100). Thus, bag 100 may be generally in the form of a pouch. Bag 100 may include an outwardly facing exterior surface 110 and an inwardly facing interior surface 112. An example bag 100 may be generally rectangular and about 10 inches long and about 4¼ wide.

As shown best in FIG. 3, bag 100 may be comprised of an outer sheet 200 and an inner sheet 202, which may be used to construct bag 100, according to at least some aspects of the present disclosure. In some example embodiments, outer sheet 200 may provide exterior surface 110 of bag 100 and inner sheet 202 may provide interior surface 112 of assembled bag 100. In some example embodiments, outer sheet 200 may comprise a structural and/or insulative material (e.g., kraft paper and bleached kraft paper) and inner sheet 202 may comprise a non-stick and/or grease-resistant material (e.g., silicone parchment release liner and other non-stick materials). For example, if the outer sheet is chosen to be kraft paper, some specifications for kraft paper operable in aspects of the invention include the following.

25# Natural MF Grease-Gard Kit 4 1 Side TAPPI Test Property Units Min Avg Max Method Basis Weight (24 × 26-500) lbs 23.7 25.0 26.3 T-410 Porosity G sec/100 cc 40 75 150 T-460 Repel Repel No 3 4 T-559 Size H-W sec 20 70 T-530 Tear CD gms 16 26 T-414 Tear MD gms 14 24 T-414 Similarly, if the inner sheet is chosen to be silicone parchment release liner, some specifications for such liner operable in aspects of the invention include the following.

27 lb Silicone Parchment Release Liner Grade: B27 WRS-5 Parameter Unit Nominal - Value Basis Weight lbs/ream 27.0 Caliper mils 2.2 Tear MD lbs 20.0 CD lbs 25.0 Tensile MD lbs 30.0 CD lbs 13.0 Mullen Wet lbs. 2.0 Moisture % 4.5

In some example embodiments, outer sheet 200 and inner sheet 202 may be generally rectangular and may be about 11 inches wide by about 19½ inches long. In some example embodiments, outer sheet 200 and inner sheet 202 may be about the same size. In some example embodiments, inner sheet 202 may be larger or smaller than outer sheet 200.

Bulk materials from which outer sheet 200 and/or inner sheet 202 may be cut may be obtained in roll form. As will be understood by those of skill in the art, some operations in example methods of constructing bags 100 may be performed in a generally continuous manner on materials as they are unrolled, prior to cutting the unrolled materials into individual outer sheets 200 and/or inner sheets 202. Thus, although the descriptions herein focus on constructing an individual bag 100 from an individual outer sheet 200 and an individual inner sheet 202, it is to be understood that the various operations may be performed in a generally continuous manner on an uncut length of material comprising a plurality of outer sheets 200 and/or inner sheets 202, and that cutting of materials into individual outer sheets 200 and inner sheets 202 may occur at least partway through a construction process.

As shown best in FIG. 4, sheet assembly 204 may comprise outer sheet 200 and inner sheet 202, which may be arranged against each other, flat surface to flat surface. In some example embodiments, sheet assembly 204 may be formed with outer sheet 200 and inner sheet 202 substantially aligned with each other. In some example embodiments, outer sheet 200 and inner sheet 202 may be offset relative to the other.

In some example embodiments, one or more folds may be created in sheet assembly 204 to form sides 106, 108. For example, generally longitudinal upward folds 206A, 206B, downward folds 208A, 208B, and/or upward folds 210A, 210B may be created in sheet assembly 204. In some example embodiments, folds may be formed such that they are generally symmetrical across a longitudinal axis of sheet assembly 204. In other words, folds generally towards a first longitudinal edge 212A may be substantially mirrored by folds generally towards an opposed second longitudinal edge 212B. In some example embodiments, an arrangement of folds may be generally asymmetrical. For example, an arrangement of folds generally towards first edge 212A may differ from an arrangement of folds generally towards second edge 212B.

As shown best in FIG. 6, a downwardly facing surface of folded sheet assembly 204 may be substantially entirely outer sheet 200. This downwardly facing surface will eventually form the outwardly facing surfaces of front panel 101 and back panel 103. The upwardly facing surface of folded sheet assembly 204 may comprise laterally disposed, longitudinal strips of outer sheet 200 on both lateral sides of a section of inner sheet 202. The upwardly facing strips of outer sheet 200 may be the result of creasing upward folds 206A, 206B, downward folds 208A, 208B, and upward folds 210A, 210B, which are described above and illustrated in FIG. 5. These folds may be generally in the form of accordion-type folds. In particular the upwardly facing strips of outer sheet 200 may comprise the portions of the outer sheet generally between edges 212A, 212B and the most laterally disposed folds 210A, 210B, respectively.

In some example embodiments, an adhesive (e.g., cold starch glue) may be applied to one or more adhesive regions 214A, 214B, 214C, 214D on the portions of the outer sheet folded to be exposed on the inner side (upwardly facing surface) of the folded bag 100 outer sheet 200. For example, adhesive regions 214A, 214B may be on a surface of outer sheet 200 generally between edge 212A and fold 210A and/or adhesive regions 214C, 214D may be on a surface of outer sheet 200 generally between edge 212B and fold 210B. In some example embodiments, adhesive may be applied to adhesive regions 214A, 214C, which may be arranged to join facing adhesive regions 214B, 214D, respectively, when sheet assembly 204 is folded.

In some example embodiments, sheet assembly 204 may be formed into a generally pouch-style structure by folding at a fold line 216, which may be located approximately in the middle of sheet assembly 204 and/or which may be oriented generally perpendicular to longitudinal edges 212A and 212B. Such folding may cause adhesive regions 214A, 214C (to which adhesive may have been applied) to contact and/or adhere to adhesive regions 214B, 214D (to which adhesive may or may not have been applied).

As seen best in FIG. 7, in some example embodiments, outer sheet 200 may comprise substantially all of the exterior surface 110 and inner sheet 202 may comprise substantially all of interior surface 112. Thus, in accordance with some aspects of the disclosure, inner sheet 202 comprising interior surface 112 may provide desired non-stick and/or grease-resistant characteristics to the interior of the bag 100 and outer sheet 200 comprising exterior surface 110 may provide desired handling and/or gluing characteristics to the exterior of the bag 100.

As best seen in FIG. 10, example bag 100 production equipment 300 may be comprised of adhesive applicators, such as paste bars 302, 304, according to at least some aspects of the present disclosure. Paste bars 302, 304 may be configured to apply adhesive to adhesive regions 214A, 214C, respectively. In some example embodiments, one or more of paste bars 302, 304 may be oriented generally parallel with a feed axis 306 of production equipment 300.

In contrast, as best shown in FIG. 11, prior art bag production equipment 400, is generally known by those of ordinary skill in the art, to have adhesive applicators 402 which are oriented generally perpendicular to the feed axis 404 of the production equipment.

An example method of using food service packaging according to at least some aspects of the present disclosure may include the use in connection with a food product, such as a Panini sandwich. For example, a Panini sandwich may be assembled and placed in bag 100, and bag 100 may be closed and/or sealed. For example, substantially open end 102 may be closed, folded over, and, if desired secured with adhesive tape. Bag 100 containing the Panini sandwich may then be placed in a freezer and/or refrigerator (if desired and/or necessary). Bag 100 containing the Panini sandwich may later be removed from the freezer and/or refrigerator and heated in a microwave oven and/or an oven. Then, the Panini sandwich, still in bag 100, may be cooked, such as on a sandwich press (e.g., a Panini press). The cooked Panini sandwich may removed from bag 100 and served. Such a method may provide cleanliness and sanitation advantages because the food product may remain substantially isolated from the surrounding environment while it is sealed within the bag 100. Thus, the risk of contamination of the food product may be reduced as the food product may be frozen, stored, heated, and/or cooked while remaining substantially isolated from the surrounding environment. Similarly, the likelihood of that the food product may leave food particles in the freezer, microwave, or oven may be reduced, thereby potentially improving cleanliness.

While example embodiments have been set forth above for the purpose of disclosure, modifications of the disclosed embodiments as well as other embodiments thereof may occur to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited to the above precise embodiments and that changes may be made without departing from the scope. Likewise, it is to be understood that it is not necessary to meet any or all of the stated advantages or objects disclosed herein to fall within the scope of the disclosure, since inherent and/or unforeseen advantages may exist even though they may not have been explicitly discussed herein. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A food service, food packaging product package comprising: an outer layer made from a first material having first properties, said first properties including good adhesive acceptance and bonding properties; an inner layer made from a second material having second properties, said second properties including non-stick properties; wherein said first and second materials are combined to form said product package during construction by applying an adhesive to a portion of said outer layer such that said outer layer is folded over upon itself and bonded to itself thereby capturing said inner layer inside and forming said package.
 2. The food service, food packaging product package of claim 1 wherein said package is created in the form of a pouch.
 3. The food service, food packaging product package of claim 2 wherein said pouch is created by: creating a first sheet out of said first material for use as said outer layer; creating a second sheet out of said second material for use as said inner layer; assembling said first sheet on top of said second sheet to form a sheet assembly wherein said first sheet is downwardly facing and said second sheet is upwardly facing; folding longitudinal side edges of the sheet assembly to provide two or more adhesive regions on upwardly facing, folded longitudinal side sections of said outer layer; applying an adhesive to at least one of said adhesive regions; and folding said sheet assembly about a laterally extending fold line thereof to adhere at least two of said adhesive regions together using said adhesive, wherein said fold line extends generally perpendicular to said longitudinal side sections of said sheet assembly.
 4. The food service, food packaging product package of claim 3 wherein said first material is kraft paper.
 5. The food service, food packaging product package of claim 3 wherein said second material is silicone release parchment liner.
 6. The food service, food packaging product package of claim 3 wherein said adhesive is cold starch glue.
 7. The food service, food packaging product package of claim 3 wherein said inner layer and said outer layer are bonded together.
 8. The food service, food packaging product package of claim 3 wherein said inner layer and said outer layer are not bonded together.
 9. A food service, food packaging bag comprising: a front panel and a back panel wherein each of said front and back panels include an outer side being composed substantially of a first material and an inner side being composed substantially of a second material, wherein said first and second materials are different materials having different properties; a substantially closed, folded end connecting said front and back panels; a substantially open end generally opposite said substantially closed, folded end; and wherein said front and back panels are joined via folded, bonded side edges extending generally between the substantially closed, folded end and the substantially open end and wherein said folded, bonded edges are bonded by adhesive regions placed on portions of said side edges formed substantially of said first material.
 10. The food service, food packaging bag of claim 9 wherein said first material is kraft paper.
 11. The food service, food packaging bag of claim 9 wherein said second material is silicone release parchment liner.
 12. The food service, food packaging bag of claim 9 wherein said folded, bonded edges are bonded by cold starch glue.
 13. A method of constructing a dual-layer, pouch-style bag including the steps of; creating a first sheet out of a first material for use as an outer layer; creating a second sheet out of a second material for use as an inner layer; assembling said first sheet on top of said second sheet to form a sheet assembly wherein said first sheet is downwardly facing and said second sheet is upwardly facing; folding longitudinal side edges of the sheet assembly to provide two or more adhesive regions on upwardly facing, folded longitudinal side sections of said outer layer; applying an adhesive to at least one of said adhesive regions; and folding said sheet assembly about a laterally extending fold line thereof to adhere at least two of said adhesive regions together using said adhesive, wherein said fold line extends generally perpendicular to said longitudinal side sections of said sheet assembly.
 14. The method of claim 13 further comprising the steps of applying said adhesive using a machine having at least one paste bar that is oriented generally parallel with a feed axis of said machine.
 15. The method of claim 13 further including the step of selecting said first material to be kraft paper.
 16. The method of claim 13 further including the step of selecting said second material to be silicone release parchment liner.
 17. The method of claim 13 further including the step of bonding said first sheet to said second sheet.
 18. A method of preparing a food product comprising the steps of placing a food product in a dual-layer, pouch style bag; closing the bag; storing the food product in the bag; and heating the food product in the bag.
 19. The method of claim 18 wherein said heating the food product step includes the step heating the food product in a sandwich press.
 20. The method of claim 18 wherein the step of heating the food product in the bag includes heating the food product in the bag in a microwave oven. 